More than half a billion dollars -- that's the amount of welfare assistance that is now pumped into the city annually, according to a report prepared by the county's Legislation and Research Unit, Human Services Group.
Nearly 46 percent of the city's residents are on some form of welfare - be it cash benefits, food stamps or Medi-Cal benefits.
At the same time, Paxton said the welfare assistance represents a significant amount of money that is spent in the city, as residents shop, eat and pay rent.
"That's an infusion of dollars into our city that's a major part of our economy," he said.
"That's an infusion of dollars into our city that's a major part of our economy," he said.
I have made appearances as an attorney numerous times at the courthouse in downtown San Bernardino. It is simply an armpit. The courthouse itself, built in 1926, is a beautiful structure, but its environs are ugly and dirty, with the desert winds whipping trash about. The line of people going through security each morning represent some of the human trash you would expect to live in ramshackle trailers and small stucco home, with cinderblock foundations.
From my own experiences, the majority of parties appearing in court are mostly Black, followed by Hispanics. In the Family Law courts, it is usually a fight over money, especially child support. Everyone wants to pay less and get more. Everyone is pointing the finger at the other person. And in the mid-morning on the 3rd floor, you will suddenly hear what sounds like sleigh bells approaching. That's when sheriif deputies shoo everyone over to one side, because it's time for perp walk, when criminal litigants are brought in for their court hearings. The sleigh bells are the shackles and manacles they are wearing, along with their bright orange county jumpsuits.
If you think the sight of a line of male or female prisoners chained together in a line, shuffling to court, would sober some of these people up, think again. "That's where you're gonna be, n**** if you don't pay me more support!" "Shut yo' mouf, bitch, before I do it for you!"
I don't miss it.
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